goals...and the problem.

Monday, January 10, 2011

So, here are my goals:
* Eat well and get exercise to prevent depression and anxiety (especially this semester as I'm trying to finish my dissertation and defend it).
* Set a good example for my children and teach them good eating habits.

And here is the problem: this part of my dissertation-writing process is so scary. Every time I write something and send it to a member of my committee, I'm putting myself on the line and opening myself up to criticism. Indeed, I *will* get criticism, and that's part of the process (my professors wouldn't be doing their jobs if they didn't provide it). But I still don't like it, and it's frightening, and difficult.

It's much, much easier to procrastinate and go get a snack. I am going to try to be more structured about my days, which may help, and I'm going to plan ahead to have easy, healthy lunches and snacks available. But the main thing I have to do, I know, is to commit to taking care of myself during this really difficult time, and to remember that when I make better choices I am taking care of my needs and improving my life and those of my family.

XIXSTAR
I agree that you're in a stressful position - criticism is scary for me too. I almost never contact past customers because I'm scared they'll say something negative about my product which is silly considering how many usually say positive things. But it's that fear.

Could I gently suggest your flesh out your goals a little more? Eating healthy certainly sounds like a great end goal, but what steps are needed to take you there? Also, if snacking is a challenge, do you have healthy and accessible snacks that will make it okay to grab that snack, and then get right back to writing or submitting? Just a suggestion. 2158 days ago